Arduino-Based Serial and USB SN76489 Tandy Sound Card

Version 1 – DHT *not final

Version 2 – SMD

This project is an Arduino-based external sound card that recreates classic Tandy / PCjr 3-voice audio using the SN76489 Programmable Sound Generator (PSG).

The device connects to a host computer via USB or serial port and allows modern systems without a parallel (LPT) port to produce authentic Tandy sound effects and music. By combining a modern Arduino microcontroller with genuine vintage sound hardware, this project bridges the gap between modern interfaces and classic PC audio technology.

Hardware Overview

Two hardware versions are available:

• []Version 1 – DHT (Through-Hole Design)
  Easy to assemble, ideal for prototyping and testing.
  []Version 2 – SMD (Surface-Mount Design)
  More compact layout suitable for a finished build.
  
  Software and Compatibility
  
  DOS Support
  
  • []DOS is supported via Serial Mode only *there is no CH340 DOS Driver yet 🙁
    []Peter de Wachter’s TNDLPT driver has been modified by me to work with serial devices
  • Several DOS games have already been tested successfully
  Test system: VIA Nano CPU–based W310C thin client
  
  The attachment thinclient.jpg is no longer available
  VGM Playback
  
  The BBC VGM Player has been modified with the following features:
  
  • []Support for Tandy SN76489 VGM files
    []Added VGZ (compressed VGM) support
  • Support for newer VGM file formats
  The attachment usb_play.jpg is no longer available
• OPLx SBVGM has been modified by OPLx to add support for serial Tandy playback using the -tndser parameter
  Thx to OPLx!
  
  
  Work in Progress
  
  • DOSBox version with USB SN76489 support (WIP)
    UI for VGM Player for Windows, Bugfixes…